GILFORD - William J. “Bill” McCarty, Sr., age 84, passed quietly from this life on Friday, October 20, 2017 at Saint Francis Home in Laconia after a long illness.
He was born in Clinton, MA on August 4, 1933 and grew up there and in neighboring Lancaster. He served his country in the U.S. Navy as a communications officer and later graduated with a business degree from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, VT. He worked for many years as an office manager until his retirement, when he was finally able to realize his dream of serving his church full time. After being ordained, he served as a permanent deacon at St. Joseph’s Church in Needham, MA and later at the combined parishes of Our Lady of the Lakes and St. André Bessette in Laconia. He truly embodied the concept of service and continued until his failing health forced him to retire. The many lives he touched and comforted will never be forgotten.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Madeleine (Russo) McCarty, by his parents, Francis and Ruth (McLaughlin) McCarty; his sisters, Barbara, Patricia, and Ruth and his brothers, Francis “Bud”, Everett, and Robert. He is survived by one sister, Elizabeth, and two foster brothers, Robert Smith and Arthur Thibeault.
Bill is also survived by his children, William J. McCarty, Jr. and wife, Irene; Kathleen McCarty; Timothy McCarty and wife, Bronwyn; and Andrew McCarty and wife, Katie. He also leaves behind his grandchildren – his pride and joy; Moira, Chloe, Connor, Liam, Cooper, Ellie, Emryn, Maxen, and Maya; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews - all of whom held their own special place in his heart.
The family would like to thank all of the many people Bill interacted with since he lost his wife in 2011, especially his neighbors, the St. André Bessette parish community, the staff of the Gilford Public Library, Friendly’s in Laconia, and Patrick’s Pub & Eatery in Gilford. Your kindness to our father and grandfather will always be remembered.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at the Wilkinson-Beane Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH using the Carriage House entrance.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM Saturday, October 28, 2017 at St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH.
Burial will follow in the family lot at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Laconia.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Bill’s name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at pulmonaryfibrosis.org - a memorial has been set up in his name.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.